Japanese jiu jitsu typically places more emphasis on throwing, immobilizing and pinning, joint-locking, choking, and strangling techniques as compared with other martial arts systems such as karate.

Jiu jitsu and the other older Japanese systems evolved among the ancient samurai as a method for defeating an armed and armored opponent without weapons. Due to the ineffectiveness of striking against an armored opponent, the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws.

These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker's energy against him, rather than directly opposing it.

As a result, Atemi-waza (striking techniques) were seen as less important in most older Japanese systems, since samurai body armor protected against many striking techniques. The Chinese quanfa/ch'uan-fa (kenpo or kung fu) systems focus on punching, striking, and kicking more than jujutsu.

Difference between Brazilian and Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is basically a competitive combat sport, while Japanese Jiu Jitsu is essentially a self defense technique. A further difference is that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on the ground while Japanese Jiu Jitsu focuses on stand up techniques.

Because practitioners train in the use of many potentially fatal moves, traditional jiu jitsu is only practised in a non-competitive environment. The Jiu Jitsu curriculum also includes pressure point/nerve techniques (i.e. identifying and pressuring vulnerable points that either cut off the blood to the brain or otherwise produce unbearable pain) that are not permitted in most competitive combat sports. In Jiu Jitsu these techniques are always practiced under the supervision of a qualified instructor and students.

To avoid injuries students are taught break falling techniques to allow them to safely practice otherwise dangerous take-downs and throws. They also learn how and when to tap out (by tapping the floor or their opponent two times with their hand), i.e. not too soon so as to practice the techniques properly, but before the pain is too intense or to avoid losing consciousness.